*Muses escort in Ellie, offers PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE AND BLUEBERRY MUFFIN. Then escorts them to a cozy seat in the Gazebo.

Cathy: *hugs, takes seat* Hello Ellie. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to have a chat with me. How are you today?

Ellie: Fantastic! I had an allergy attack a few weeks ago, which developed into a sinus infection, so after much sinus gunk – it’s great to be able to breathe!!

Cathy: Tell our readers a little about yourself?

Ellie: I live near ST. Louis, have two grown daughters and have been married for 30 years. I was a child bride, really. NO seriously I was. My day job is account executive for a wholesale mortgager, basically I am the answer lady online. Writing is far more interesting. In real life the most exciting thing I do is try new recipes and crochet.

Cathy What made you decide you wanted to become a writer?

Ellie: I would read a story and think to myself, this should have gone this way instead. When I was in 4th grade I think I rewrote Robin Hood to suit my ideas. IT was pathetic, but that was sort of my starting point.

Ellie: Various places. This one was inspired by a photograph that I wrote a flash fiction piece for, then it developed into a short story, then the characters still demanded more attention. I think Derek is finally satisfied now that more of his story has been told. He insisted that he didn’t get a fair shake in the short version.

Cathy: How many books do you have out?

Ellie: Just the one so far published by EEB, but I have many more in the works. Red Wine & Roses – True love conquers all, unless an ex-girlfriend is involved.

BLURB: Julia Mathers has had bad dates, but the blind date for a New Year’s Eve party takes the cake. Derek Snow, a sexy ambitious lawyer has definite plans for his future and a relationship is the furthest thing from his mind.

From their first meeting, the fireworks fly as the embers of passion ignite into a blazing inferno. Until Derek’s ex, a fashion model has designs of her own.

As Julia works to overcome her insecurities, Derek realizes a love he can’t deny, but is he too late?

Ellie: Oddly enough, Gloria Snow. You know how in some stories a side character just seems to steal the show? Gloria has chutzpa! You know when she has taken center stage, because she carries such a presence. She is a strong woman that is nobody’s lackey. I may at some future point develop her story, because trust me, she has a whopper.

Cathy: Do you plan any other stories in any other genres?

Ellie: OH yes! I have a long list of projects. I am currently revising Valkyries Curse – a paranormal thriller and I have the bulk of a story that is dear to my heart, Roxy Sings the Blues. That one is a coming of age type story. I got to flex my writer’s muscles in this one, tapping into writing the emotional scenes as well as thought provoking imagery. There is just something gratifying about this story for me. Red Wine & Roses gave me the chance to practice some of the things I’ve preached on my blog about purple prose, and writing “those” scenes. Each one has it’s own reward to me as the writer, I only hope that the reader will enjoy them!

Dark muse: Imagine being in a room with your worse fear. What would it be?

Ellie: It would be in an aquarium with octopus. I hate octopus. They are the single creepiest thing on the planet. Have you ever seen those documentaries where this humungous octopus can squeeze into a 3 inch pipe? And they showed where they are smart too. A monster that can squeeze itself into the smallest space, with tentacles and intelligence . . . doesn’t that sound like the worst horror ever?

Dark muse: Would you rather be with a Vampire or werewolf?

Ellie: Vampire – a werewolf would shed and that would just be more stuff to have to clean. Plus I would smell like dog. That’s ok when I pet Ginger, but not on a full-time basis.

Dark muse: Would you say you are more Angel or demon?

Ellie: 100 percent angel, why would you even have to ask?

Naughty Muse: What is your worst bad habit?

Ellie: I don’t have any bad habits. * tries to look innocent*

Ok well, that was an obvious fail. Hmmm, procrastination, wasting time, not thinking about food until I am famished, not stopping to drink until I have cotton mouth, not putting laundry away right away then having to load it back in the basket for the next day when it’s bedtime . . . shall I continue??

Naughty Muse: What is one of you most embarrassing moments?

Ellie: Only one? Gee which one shall it be? Probably the most recent would be an incident with my work. A customer’s misunderstanding landed me in a whole lot of hot water.

Sweet muse: If you were a type of cookie what kind would you be?

Ellie: A Ranger cookie. It’s a brown sugar cookie base like a chocolate chip, with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, coconut, and rice krispies in it. A taste explosion of different textures, tastes and goodness!

Sweet muse: Who is your favorite author? Do you consider them an influence in your writing?

Ellie: Wow that changes with my moods. Currently I’d have to say Gena Showalter. I don’t think she has influenced me, other than making me want to write a better story. Longtime favorite – Clive Cussler. He writes fascinating tales.

Sweet muse: What is your favorite thing about Fall?

Ellie: Cooler weather! Missouri summers are miserable. The colors – I love taking a drive through the country side when the leaves have turned. You’ll see several pictures posted on my Facebook page.

Childlike Muse: What is your favorite food?

Ellie: Probably fried chicken! I don’t eat it as often as I would like to. Something about that fried crispy coating, moist chicken meat. But the calories – Oh my. I’ll pick up fried chicken strips at the deli (breast meat because it’s a few less calories than dark) and slice them up on top of a salad. That way I get my wholesome nutritious food that is calorie conscious with a taste of what I love and it’s not too much. Now I’m hungry.

Childlike muse: What is your favorite song?

Ellie: My favorite songs change as often as the weather around here. Currently my favorite is Budapest and Celtic instrumental that I have on when I am writing.

Cathy: You said you had something special for me today. Care to share that now?

YES! We had talked about playlists and I agreed to share with you the TOP 9 songs that I have on my playlist while writing Red Wine & Roses. Why not TOP 10? Because on the day that we talked about it, it was 9 days until my book debut.

So, without further ado . . . my top 9 songs:

Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody

8: Shania Twain – From This Moment

Nickelback – Far Away

Basia – Time and Tide
(Yeah, I know it’s an old one, but for some reason I just really like the beat and synchronicity of this one.)

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing

Evanescence –My Immortal

Rita Coolidge – Higher and Higher

George Ezra – Budapest

Rob Thomas – Fallin’ To Pieces, How Far We’ve Come, Smooth, 3AM , Trust You . . . . OK you got me. My number one spot is a playlist of Rob Thomas songs because . . . well, Rob Thomas. IF I had to pick just one Rob Thomas song It would be Smooth. I know it’s Santana’s song, but it’s my favorite that Rob Thomas has done.

Cathy: Thank you for taking the time to join us today! It’s been a blast! We hope you come back and visit again soon!! Good luck with Red Wine & Roses.

He leaned forward kissing the soft skin of her tummy above her belly button as he eased the jeans down over her thighs, steadying her so she could step out of them.

Julia’s breath caught in her throat when he did not find her full figure objectionable. The light from the living room was enough to allow him to see the pale lavender bra and panties with deep purple lace trim. The panties just grazed over her hips, not more than an inch of the silky lavender with the darker lace above. Hooking his thumbs into the sides of her panties, slowly dragging them down her legs until she stood only in her bra before him.

She saw the raw lust in his eyes as he uncovered her. He reached for the delicate clasp between her breasts and with a quick flick had it open. With his fingertips, he pushed the fabric to the sides, off her breasts, then down her arms, letting it drop to the floor. For a few moments, he stood admiring her beauty, admiring her breasts and the lovely gentle curves of her hips. His hand moving to cup the fullness of her breast, feeling the weight of it rest in his palm.

Julia gasped. When he ran the rough pads of his thumbs over both nipples, she trembled at his touch, letting out a sot moan. Her mind suddenly flooded with images of him over her, his eyes half lidded with desire. She reached forward unfastening his trousers, her hand brushing the length of him as she tugged the zipper.

He unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt before shrugging out of it to reveal hard, defined, well-chiseled abs. Julia unconsciously chewed her lower lip while admiring his body. No, not love but definite interest. Who was she to argue with what he saw in her? He had a great body, a great personality, and a fantastic sense of humor. If she had ever dared to pray for the perfect man, Derek would have fit the description.

He had waited long enough. His mouth was on her breast, his tongue flicking over her nipple. She moaned in response. He tugged back, holding her nipple between his teeth eliciting a soft moan from her. Julia’s fingers curled around his length causing him to buck into her grasp.

She stroked slowly all the way down, letting her fingers brush against his balls then back up curling over his velvety head while pulling his briefs down with her other hand.

He groaned, kneading her breasts in his hands as he pushed her gently down to the bed, following her. He let most of his weight rest against her, enjoying the feel of their skin-to-skin contact. His elbows on either side of her ribs, his fingers slipping behind her back as he lowered his mouth to hers, thrusting his tongue deeper mimicking another action he had in mind.

Julia arched into him, as he pressed his hardness against her cleft.

“Not so fast. I told you I want to enjoy you slowly.” He raised up, gliding his lips along her chin, down her neck leaving a trail of wet kisses in a blazing wake. His mouth was on her nipple again, as he shifted to her side. “You are so hot, and the way you respond to me is such a turn on. I want this to last for both of us.” Caressing along her ribs, then over her stomach across her waist, softly caressing her soft skin as his eyes connected with hers, watching for her reaction. His fingers traced a line from her naval down to the small triangle of trimmed hair. He lifted his head “Not shaved. I like that. I think a woman should look like a grown woman, not a child. Although, I’m not opposed to variety either.”

Relief flooded her features as she relaxed into his touch. He had moved to where she was very limited in how much she could touch him so her hands were on his back. Without another word, his trail of kisses continued down her abdomen, lightly kissing at her waist, then the crease where her legs met her torso. As he moved to kiss there, his nose brushed over her cleft causing her to inhale sharply. He peppered her skin with light kisses, his finger caressing along the crease of her folds, then more aggressive as his fingers felt the damp heat of her. His thumb pressed against her hardened bud as he worked it in a circular pattern, his index and middle finger caressing lower.

She nearly came off the bed, her back arching into his touch. A soft moan as her grip tightened on his shoulder.

Gently he pushed inside her. As he did, he moved his mouth over, flicking the hard nub of her clitoris with his tongue.

“Ahhh.” She shuddered at the sensation. He increased his assault, now sucking lightly, and sliding his fingers rhythmically.

She could feel the heat pooling, the edge approaching, her breaths came in little pants. She tightened her muscles, trying to stave it off but it was pointless. She trembled beneath him, putty in his hands as the inferno engulfed her.

“Oh, ohhh. Derek I.” It was all she could get out when her orgasm rolled over her like a freight train. Her hips bucking against his hand, as she gasped against his mouth.

He lifted his head, grinning. “I like how responsive you are to me Julia.” He wiped her slick juices from his face before moving up her body. “Are you ready for me now?”

She nodded, her breaths ragged and her heart pounding.

He pushed her legs apart wider with his knee as he lifted her behind slightly pressing himself against her throbbing lips, rubbing back and forth sensually.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders slightly as his huge head pushed just inside. He held himself there, forcing himself to go slow. His jaw clenched, he wanted to have his release but he wanted to make sure she was satisfied first. As responsive as she had been already he knew she could take more. He thrust quickly, just a couple inches then pulled back.

She gasped, every nerve alert and on fire. It wouldn’t take much for her to reach her climax again. Instinctively, her hips rolled beneath him.

Meet Ellie:

Ellie Mack received her BS degree in cartography from Southeast Missouri State University. After leaving the corporate world for the title of MOM, she has pursued her writing dreams. Nowadays Ellie charts unmapped territory through her fiction and humor writing. She lives near St. Louis with her husband of 30 years and their two teen daughters. When she’s not writing, she can be found scrapbooking, crocheting, or cooking. You can find her musings on her blog Quotidiandose.

Ellie is going to be at the Kentuckiana EBB in Louisville Kentucky if you are nearby stop in and meet her. There will be goody bags and door prizes plus she is selling signed copies with a little something special!

I’m pleased to meet you, Ellie. What a great title! It was fun to read your interview. Living in Florida, I have to go into the swamp to see vivid fall colors. How wonderful to look out your window and see them everywhere. Down here we long for the cooler air and are so happy when we get a sprig of it prior to Halloweeen. We have some music in common– thanks for sharing. I love Celtic and Nickelback. Great interview, Cathy.

it has been a while since I have used the In the Lair format and found i really miss it.. Maybe its time for a resurrection. We get the fall colors as well not quite as much as Ellie. Thanks for stopping by Flossie! Ellie is off for a convention this weekend I will let her know she had visitors.

Thanks for covering me Cathy – the author event was phenomenal, and my debut was in what has to be the most gorgeous building I’ve ever seen! As soon as I can find my phone charger, I’ll share pictures. AGain, thank you CAthy – I greatly enjoyed the interview!

Music can bond people together. Celtic music touches a certain part of me that I can’t really explain. About the fall color – it’s one of the things I do love about the midwest. In the springtime, the area bursts into multicolors of greens and pastels with new buds, but in the fall, . . . the changing colors are amazing. After a long hot summer, the cooler temperatures are a welcomed relief! But then again Florida – you have beaches. I am envying you! Thank you for taking the time to read Cathy’s interview with me!